Judge Detains Shooting Defendant Following Multiple Failures to Appear

By Adriana Marroquin - May 24, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered Tejan Bah detained following multiple failures to appear and loss of contact during his release for a shooting incident. 

Bah, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. 

Judge Okun previously issued two bench warrants due to his failure to appear in multiple proceedings. 

On May 24, Bah was present for the first time in months, prompting Judge Okun to dismiss the warrant for his arrest. 

Gemma Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, reported to Judge Okun that he is experiencing homelessness and medical issues that have caused difficulty in communicating with her and the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), that was supervising his release. 

Stevens requested Bah continue to be released, citing an attack he endured at the jail, which caused him to lose his vision, and has had a “very profound impact on his functioning,” including his cognitive abilities. 

“He would be ultra vulnerable at the jail,” Stevens insisted. 

“This is a very hard decision,” said Judge Okun, stating “it’s not just one time when he’s failed to show up,” referring to his multiple failures to appear. 

Judge Okun insisted the community’s safety is not a concern, but rather his ability to return to court is. 

Due to his failure to appear, Judge Okun revoked his release conditions and ordered he be detained pending future proceedings. 

“Sorry about that, Mr. Bah,” said Judge Okun.

Parties are slated to return June 28.